Baltimore 2013 Seminar Descriptions

Session I: 10:15 - 11:15 a.m.

In the Kitchen Cupboard Your pantry holds potential solutions for preventing and treating many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer and irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterologist and nutritionist Dr. Gerard Mullin uncovers the health benefits of ginger, peppermint and other teas, coffee and spices and guides effective use of these common remedies. TP1

In the Moment Internist Dr. Madhav Goyal defines the forms of meditation and demystifies how these techniques can enhance your mental and physical health, reduce the health consequences of stress, and boost your immune system. Data from randomized trials will demonstrate the advantages of integrating meditation into your daily activities. C1

Family Ties Celebrities like Angelina Jolie have opened the door for conversations about the impact of genetics on our lives. Join geneticist Dr. Joann Bodurtha as she explains how innovations in genetics can be used in medical diagnosis to improve health across your lifespan and provides tools for a genetic check-up for you and your family. P1

The Pharmacy Learn how to maximize the effectiveness of individual medications and avoid serious side effects as internist Dr. Kimberly Peairs reveals the potential interactions between many common medications, food and herbal supplements. HL1

You're So Vein Varicose and spider veins can be painful as well as disfiguring. Vascular surgeon Dr. Jennifer Heller uncovers the physical symptoms indicative of vein disease and the physiologic changes that lead to weaken veins causing clogging or congestion. The presentation highlights current remedies and treatments that are in development. R1

Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2013 Chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that simultaneously affects multiple joints. Rheumatologist Dr. Uzma Haque addresses the common symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis as well as evaluation of RA and new treatment strategies to improve long-term outcomes. BW1

Queen of Hearts Differences in heart disease between women and men are well documented and important to know. Cardiologist Dr. Wendy Post deciphers the risk factors and symptoms of heart disease in women and outlines lifestyle modification and medication strategies to reduce our risk. DB1

Emotional Aspects of Aging Is the best really yet to come? Geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Susan Lehmann considers the emotional aspects of aging, including normal changes in personality and physiology. In sensitive remarks, she also discusses recent studies finding that shed light on effective approaches for maintaining emotional well-being as we age. BT1

Session II: 11:30 - 12:30 p.m.

From Farm to Table By 2050, emerging population growth, economic forces and environmental changes will converge to make it more challenging for women globally to put food on their tables. International development specialist Dr. Robert L. Thompson, surveys these and other threats to the world food supply and their strategic importance to the United States. TP2

Testosterone in Women Testosterone is more than a man’s hormone. Known as an androgen or “sex hormone" in women, it helps build body tissue in both women and men. Dr. Adrian Dobs discloses the origin of testosterone, its role in women and how changes in testosterone are diagnosed, evaluated and treated. C2

Pressure Cooker Hypertension, which affects about 30 percent of U.S. adults, is on the rise as the population ages. This elevation in blood pressure can increase your risk of cardiovascular events and kidney failure. Internist Dr. Gregory Prokopowicz distinguishes between types of hypertension, factors contributing to hypertension and recommended lifestyle modifications and drug treatments. P2

The Weight of Obesity Excessive weight can profoundly impact the personal health of those struggling to loose even a few pounds. Endocrinologist Dr. Sally Radovick moderates a panel featuring bariatric surgeon Dr. Anne Lidor, internist Dr. Kimberly Gudzune and gastroenterologist Dr. Anthony Kalloo as they weigh in on strategies including diet, Botox and bariatric surgery. HL2

Skin Deep Your skin can reveal a great deal about your general health. Dermatologist Dr. Manisha Patel peels away the mystery of the skin to share how your skin can show signs of common medical conditions like thyroid issues and diabetes. She also will touch upon the affect the environment plays on your skin. R2

Handle with Care Don't ignore the symptoms of common culprits of hand numbness and pain. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Scott Lifchez describes the diagnosis and treatment --including minimally invasive approaches to surgery--of carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and other conditions more frequently found in the hands of women. BW2

Inflammation: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly At some time, most of us may have invoked an inflammatory response resulting from an allergic reaction or an underlying disease. Gain a basic understanding of inflammation, how it underlies a variety of diseases, and the role of inflammation in cancer from scientist Dr. Jonathan Schneck. DB2

To Err is Human, To Forgive is Divine The act of forgiveness can be very powerful. Psychiatrist Dr. Karen Swartz pursues factors that enable some people to easily forgive family members, friends and partners, while others may struggle to let go. The emotional stress from conflict also can lead to negative health consequences including anxiety and depression. BT2

Session III: 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Dietary Supplement Mix Despite little evidence supporting their effectiveness, dietary supplements are widely used by consumers in an effort to stay healthy. Internist Dr. Bimal Ashar reviews dietary studies providing insight into the value of popular vitamins—including D and E—and herbal supplements, if a supplement is safe or useful, and how they are regulated. TP3

Paying Attention: ADHD from Childhood to Adulthood Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder continues into adulthood among 60 percent of children diagnosed with the disorder. Psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Kastelic delves into ADHD that lingers with age, suggest other causes of inattention among adults and enumerates alternative options for treatment. C3

Risky Business Assess your risk of cancer as oncologist Dr. Kala Visvanathan identifies established and new factors linked to breast, ovarian and other cancers. She also elaborates on factors to reduce cancer risk and early detection strategies that include new approaches currently being studied for both the prevention and early diagnosis of women’s cancers. P3

Super Bugs Your body’s microbiome contains 200 trillion organisms, nearly all of which are unique to you. Explore how the presence or absence of these bacteria affect our absorption of nutrients, may contribute to obesity, weaken our defenses to infections, and combat diseases from infectious disease specialist Dr. Cynthia Sears. HL3

Body Contouring Take shape as plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Michele Manahan portrays the full spectrum of aesthetic interventions that can be used to rejuvenate and refresh the body from the inside out. Learn who is a good candidate for breast augmentation, tummy tucks, liposuction and other popular procedures. R3

Painstaking Solutions If you have visited a physician recently, there’s a chance you have been asked to rank your pain, which rarely is simple to diagnose and treat. Psychiatrist and pain specialist Dr. Michael Clark discusses many causes of chronic pain and deciphers treatment options including pharmacological, psychotherapy and interdisciplinary options. BW3

A Spectacle for the Ages Ophthalmologist Dr. Irene C. Kuo peers into vision changes that occur with age and examines the surgical and non-surgical alternatives that can correct our vision without relying on reading glasses. DB3

Memory Join neuroscientist Dr. Marilyn Albert and neurologist Dr. Guy McKhann as they reflect upon physical changes in the brain and cognitive functioning that are associated with aging and early Alzheimer’s Disease, intervention strategies, and the importance of mental, physical and social activity that can help us maintain our cognitive abilities and memory. BT3

Session IV: 3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

The Lunch Box Antioxidants play a vital role in improving our immunity and decreasing disease and illness. Nutritionist Lynda McIntyre emphasizes the role of antioxidants and how to incorporate these vital nutrients into our diets while she serves-up food sources and provides tips to maximize antioxidant strength. TP4

A Discovery that May Offer Hope Finally, there is some encouraging news. Gynecologist Dr. Amanda Nickles Fader details new research that may lead to early detection of ovarian and endometrial cancers and improve survivorship as she reports the incidence, risk factors and emerging screening modalities of ovarian and endometrial cancers including PAP smear DNA and serum biomarkers. C4

Cell-ebration Important research is being done in stem cells and regenerative medicine. Cell biologist Dr. Erika Matunis provides an overview of adult and embryonic stem cells and she reveals how stem cells are being used therapeutically and future prospects for personalized medicine. P4

Got Bones? Evidence provides effective strategies to retain and strengthen your bone in an effort to prevent osteoporosis. Endocrinologist Dr. Suzanne Jan de Beur talks about the recommended dose of calcium and vitamin D found in dietary sources and assesses the potential side effects of too much calcium. HL4

Unblemished Dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Kazin empowers us to enhance our image as she addresses naturally occurring age spots, moles, changes skin texture; offers advice to help protect us from skin cancer; and dangles the prospects of cream to obscure wrinkles and an injection that may dissolve excess skin under our chin. R4

A Playbook for Women Whether you engage in Pilates or Zumba, the elliptical machine or golf, gain strategies to avoid sports injuries as well as advice about immediate steps to treat a tennis elbow, torn rotator cuff or sprained ankle from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Sameer Dixit. BW4

COPD: A Talk That Won't Leave You Breathless Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can literally take your breath away, and it is increasing among women. Pulmonologist and researcher Dr. Enid Neptune depicts the risk factors for developing COPD and symptoms indicative of COPD as well as treatments and research that, in the future, may provide a cure. DB4

Sweet Dreams Since your gender can impact your sleep patterns, neurologist Dr. Charlene Gamaldo awakens interest in the role hormones can play in sleep and how that role changes as women age. She also covers how sleep disorders are evaluated and treated and when they may signal a serious underlying condition. BT4

What People are Saying... "The day gives me a chance to learn, to be inspired to make changes, to have discussions with others, to be grateful for my health, and appreciate the importance of good health care."